Bopara considers his bowling as a key part of the game as well.

Ravi Bopara once again proved his mettle at the international level recently, when he smashed Australia all over the park, during his 27-ball knock where he scored 65 runs. Apart from being a hard-hitting batsman, Bopara also owns astonishing figures of four for 9 in a Twenty20 International (T20I) match against West Indies in 2011, which remains to be the best bowling performance for England in T20Is.

Bopara spoke about his much-awaited 100th One-Day International (ODI) appearance for England.

Excerpts from the interview.

In T20Is against Australia, you batted at No 7 for England. Are you happy at that position, or would you would want to bat a bit higher in the batting order?

I wouldn’t say I am entirely happy batting at No 7 for England in T20Is, as I feel I have much more to offer if I was to bat for longer. But I have been working very hard on end overs batting, as this is my role in the England side. However, I would love to bat up the order in ODIs, as I would like to play the role I play for Essex. I also consider my bowling as a key part to my game. It is the one thing I may have worked the hardest on in the past two years, learning to bowl new deliveries etc.

What are your thoughts about the IPL? Do you think it is benefiting Indian as well as world cricket?

IPL has been a revelation to cricket. It has really changed the way people approach cricket now. You can notice younger cricketers who are ready to hit the ball a long way and also getting more mystery in their bowling. IPL is the one competition every cricketer wants to play in.

What differentiates IPL from the English domestic season?

I think the IPL has a massive attraction and a great hype compared to county cricket. You really feel like it is an event.

Tell us what are the areas you have been working on to improve your batting?

As mentioned before, I have really worked hard on hitting at the death overs. I think it is very important to be able to hit sixes if the bowler gets his length wrong. I have also worked very hard on hitting spin as this is a key area in T20 cricket.

Last, but not the least. You are one match short of playing your 100th ODI for England? How has the journey been so far?

My time with England has been a wonderful journey so far. I am extremely proud and happy to have played 99 ODI games, but I am not satisfied yet. I have so much to offer yet and many years left in the game.

First Published on February 14, 2014 6:14 PM ISTLast updated on February 14, 2014 6:16 PM IST